Program Overview

Zoology MSci

Overview

The Zoology MSci course aims to foster a new generation of zoological researchers who can unravel the secrets of animal behaviour, physiology and ecology, to enhance animal welfare, make farming more sustainable, and preserve precious biodiversity.

Qualification and Entry Requirements

• Qualification: MSci Hons
• Entry Requirements: AAB
• Start Date: September 2025
• UCAS Code: C301
• Duration: 4 Years full-time
• Fees: £9,535

Course Information

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment.

Practical Work

You will gain experience of laboratory and field work techniques in a wide range of core and optional modules across the first three years, including optional field courses in France and Portugal.

Research Project

In the fourth year, you will choose from a range of specialist research topics and develop a novel research project under the supervision of a leading expert in their field.

Modules

Year 1

• Genes, Molecules and Cells
• Life on Earth
• Core Skills in Biology, Genetics & Zoology
• Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
• Optional modules:
  • Human Physiology
  • Fundamentals of Neuroscience
  • Hallmarks of Cancer
  • Causes and Consequences of Cancer

Year 2

• Higher Skills in the Biological Sciences
• Optional modules:
  • The Genome and Human Disease
  • Evolutionary Biology of Animals
  • Behavioural Ecology Field Course
  • Biodiversity Field Course
  • Ecology
  • Animal Behaviour and Physiology
  • Building Brains
  • Biological Photography and Imaging I
  • Developmental Biology
  • Insect Biology
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
  • Reproductive Physiology
  • Neurobiology of Disease

Year 3

• Zoology Research Project
• Science and Society
• Optional modules:
  • Advances in Immunology
  • Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
  • Biological Photography and Imaging II
  • Evolution and Behaviour
  • Evolutionary Ecology
  • Conservation Genetics
  • Molecular Parasitology
  • Molecular Evolution: Constructing the Tree of Life
  • Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis
  • Social Insect Biology
  • Conservation
  • Ageing, Sex and DNA Repair
  • Cancer Biology
  • Common and Complex Diseases
  • Aquatic Biology
  • Current Topics in Development and Genetics
  • Pathogens: Vaccines and Therapeutics

Year 4

• Zoology Year 4 Research Project
• Research Presentation Skills
• Research Planning and Preparation
• Optional modules:
  • Cutting Edge Research Ideas in Molecular Biology
  • Advanced Experimental Design and Analysis
  • Process and Practice in Science

Careers Overview

You will have a broad understanding of the biology of animals, at both the organismal and the molecular level, and will have had the opportunity to focus on your particular areas of interest. Your final year project will have given you the freedom to pursue a specific research area of interest.

Job Prospects

• Average starting salary and career progression: 93.9% of undergraduates from the school of Life Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993.

Careers Advice

The University of Nottingham provides a range of employability support and opportunities to current students.

Additional Information

• Language study: You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
• Field courses: Optional field courses are available in France and Portugal.
• Tuition fees: The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.